Chef Tim Says....

I love the holidays. I like giving gifts and try to find the right present for the right person each year. This doesn't have to be expensive, and last week I talked about a few gifts that keep on giving for that cook on your list. This week is one of my favorite topics: pizza!

Pretty much everyone loves pizza and it's so easy to make at home and so good for you. Here's a few ideas to help make fresh hot pizza at home even easier. One note, don't spend money on expensive pizza ovens -- there's dozens of them out there costing as much as 3 to 5 hundred dollars. Simple tools make for great tasting pizza. Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Pizza!

Featured Recipes

Sauteed Leeks | Low Sodium Version
This is a deceptively simple recipe. Often the easiest and least complex dishes are. Leeks are so fantastic and cooking them like this where they slightly caramelize brings out the natural sweetness. This goes great as a side dish with almost any savory meal.

This recipe is lactose free, but is not safe for Coumadin® (warfarin) users, and those with GERD / Acid Reflux should avoid it as it may provoke symptoms.

Zucchini with Sun Dried Tomatoes | Low Sodium Version
This goes well with almost any dish, but especially a steak or roasted pork main course. The zucchini is simple to prep. Cut the stem end off and make three slices lengthways so you have 4 slices. Stack two slices and cut lengthways three times again. Do this with all four slices and then cut crossways for a large dice.

This recipe is safe for Coumadin® (warfarin) users, is lactose free, and is safe for those with GERD / Acid Reflux.

Featured Ingredient: Leeks

Leeks are a member of the onion family but with a milder sweeter flavor. They look like overgrown green onions or scallions. The white part grows below ground, so leeks are usually pretty dirty and need plenty of washing.

Cut the leek at the lower end of the green top and run water over the leaves as they separate. Usually the rings of the white part have dirt embedded in them towards the top. Slice the leek in an X across the top and gently clean the dirt from between the rings under cold water.

4 ounces leeks = 69 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 0g mono fat, 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 23mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol, 53mg Vitamin K

Try My eatTHISdiet!

My eatTHISdiet is Dr. Gourmet's newest version of his popular diet plan. This free and easy to use meal planner can help you create two-week meal plans for your entire family. It'll even make use of the leftovers!

Use it to lose weight or just eat healthier with Dr. Gourmet's delicious and healthy recipes. On Coumadin®? Lactose intolerant? Have GERD / acid reflux? My eatTHISdiet will create a plan for you, too! Get started on My eatTHISdiet.

Hand on Heart

Dr. Harlan's latest cookbook, Hand on Heart, includes several of the recipes from drgourmet.com, plus a few that were developed specifically for the book, like Banoffee Pie! More on what's inside.

Cooking to Reduce the Burn

Cooking to Reduce the Burn was created specifically for those suffering from GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease). With Tummy Tips and easy recipes to help you eat well and eat healthy without painful acid reflux. Download it for FREE!